User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Art Official Age
by
Art Official Age Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Joshuaworld, 3rdEyeGirl
  • Summary: One of two albums from Prince released on the same day was self-produced and is said to contain funk, R&B, and soul influences.
Buy Now
Buy on
  • Record Label: Warner Bros.
  • Genre(s): R&B, Soul, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Adult Contemporary R&B, Contemporary R&B
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

This Could Be Us
U ready Naw... U ain't ready (no you aint ready) I mean ready for us. U know u want me like a new pair of shoes This could be us But u b... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Sep 29, 2014
    100
    If you're looking for a freaky good time, Art Official is your ticket.... An exquisite Prince R&B album.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Sep 29, 2014
    88
    In an era when innovative artists such as Frank Ocean and The Weeknd are redefining the form and feel of R&B seduction ballads, Prince sounds not just relevant, but renewed.
  3. Billboard.com
    Sep 30, 2014
    80
    Art Official Age isn't just the stronger of the two--it's among his most imaginative albums since the '90s.
  4. Pitchfork
    Oct 3, 2014
    65
    Art Official Age is not a return to form by any means, but a modestly exciting Prince album.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Oct 3, 2014
    60
    Art Official Age's main takeaway is that His Royal Badness has started to make peace with being past his prime.
  6. Uncut
    Sep 29, 2014
    60
    Too many average slow jams.... They just remind you he's still around; short of a tune, but the unique inhabitant of a purple planet all his own. [Nov 2014, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Q Magazine
    Oct 3, 2014
    40
    Art Official Age, regrettably, is something we have heard before: an overlong, pan-generic concept album. [Nov 2014, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Revenant87
    Oct 3, 2014
    9
    One of the best albums of the year, and probably Princes best in over 20. In fact, putting the rose tinted glasses to one side, i'd argue thatOne of the best albums of the year, and probably Princes best in over 20. In fact, putting the rose tinted glasses to one side, i'd argue that even if this had come out during Princes 1980s creative peak it would still be considered a very solid entry. Its an extremely consistent record, "Way back home" and "Affirmation 3" are the weak links (although by no means terrible) while the remaining 11 songs range from good to great.… Expand
  2. MellowLikeYello
    Oct 2, 2014
    8
    Definitely the most consistent long play since 'Musicology'. There are actual songs here, not just jam ideas. As usual it takes about threeDefinitely the most consistent long play since 'Musicology'. There are actual songs here, not just jam ideas. As usual it takes about three times through it to really get the feel of whether its good or not, and its good. And those who deny he's relevant will have to re-think that listening to songs like 'Breakfast Can Wait' and 'Breakdown'. Those are top of game songs that define him like nothing else can for most other artists. Does he still sell 20 million CDs? No, but who does these days? He will continue to influence other musicians with this work and that's what keeps one relevant, even if the public doesn't get that. We'll be hearing this album in other songs for years.… Expand
  4. Viktor85
    Aug 1, 2021
    8
    Criminally underrated, there are no weak tracks on Art Official Age. Prince was exciting til the end.
  5. MrErw
    Oct 1, 2014
    8
    This could very well be the best we can expect from Prince at this stage of his career. Surprisingly fresh and confident, he's undeniablyThis could very well be the best we can expect from Prince at this stage of his career. Surprisingly fresh and confident, he's undeniably 'Princey' while at the same time embracing current musical trends. Trend-setting? Not anymore, but that's ok, he's past that and how could one hold that against him?… Expand
  6. more
    Oct 14, 2014
    7
    How hard it seems for Prince (cough... cough...) to be sincere and true for a minute.
    Just like his productions, he's packed in some cheap    How hard it seems for Prince (cough... cough...) to be sincere and true for a minute.
    Just like his productions, he's packed in some cheap plastic condom, far from the real thing.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Most Shared Album of 2014

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All Current Music »